Evaluating Patient Knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes in Türkiye: A Community Pharmacy-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a significant global and national public health burden, with growing prevalence, high morbidity, and escalating economic costs. In Türkiye alone, over 9 million adults live with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise substantially. While pharmacists have been increasingly recognized as essential contributors to chronic disease management, their role in structured diabetes care in Türkiye remains underdeveloped. This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of individuals with T2DM and to explore opportunities for pharmacist-led educational interventions in the community pharmacy setting.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a community pharmacy in Istanbul between October 2020 and April 2021. One hundred and two adult patients with T2DM were recruited and interviewed by a pharmacist using a structured 25-item Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Test. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive summaries and bivariate comparisons, with significance defined at P < .05.

Results: Participants demonstrated high awareness in core domains such as disease identification and medication adherence, but substantial gaps were found in areas related to complication prevention and self-care practices. The overall knowledge level was moderate to high, with mean performance scores around 74.5%. Educational attainment and number of comorbidities were associated with knowledge variability.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential for community pharmacists to address critical knowledge gaps in diabetes care. Tailored educational services delivered in pharmacies could enhance patients’ self-management capacities and support national diabetes control strategies.